Women's 400 Hurdles Preview

The U.S. leader last year at 53.33, Sandra Glover paced Friday's semis at 55.59 and looks like the hurdler to bear. Seville Worlds 5th-placer Michelle Johnson won the other semi in 55.96 and has looked strong through the rounds. Third in Glover's race was veteran Tonja Buford-Baily (55.90), still No. 2 all-time at 52.62 from 1995.

But many eyes in today's final will be on California high schooler Lashinda Demus, who roared 55.76 behind Glover to become the second-fastest prep ever. Can she produce a similar effort in a championship race will be the intriguing question today's final will answer.
/Jon Hendershott/